Government introduces new tax check requirements for taxi and private hire vehicle licence holders

A new tax requirement for applications for taxi, private hire vehicle and scrap metal licences will be introduced by the government on 4 April 2022.

Supported by a new digital service developed by HMRC, this new requirement will help people in the taxi, private hire vehicle and scrap metal industries to complete a new tax check.

The check will only take a few minutes to complete and confirm if those applying or renewing their licences are appropriately registered for tax. Applicants will receive a 9-character tax check code which must be included on their application to Newark and Sherwood District Council to confirm they have carried out a tax check. 

You’ll need to complete a tax check when you apply for or renew your licence as a:

• Driver of a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire vehicle
• Private hire vehicle operator
• Scrap metal dealer mobile collector
• Scrap metal dealer site

Those registering for a new or a renewal of licences will be able to complete a tax check online via the government website from 7 March 2022.

Guidance is available on the government website, and anyone who needs extra support will be able to complete the tax check by phone through HMRC’s customer helpline. 

Councillor Rita Crowe, Chairman of the Licensing Committee at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It is essential that those looking to apply for a new or a renewal of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers licence are aware of these new requirements. 

“It is vital that those applying have completed this tax check by 4 April; without it, Newark and Sherwood District Council will not be able to progress your application. I encourage all of those it may concern to have a thorough look at the guidance on the government website and to complete their tax check accordingly when the online service opens in March.”

More information and guidance on this new tax check for taxi and private hire vehicle operators is available on the government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/changes-for-taxi-private-hire-or-scrap-metal-licence-applications-from-april-2022?&utm_source=gov_uk&utm_medium=stk_social&utm_campaign=hec.